panama yacht broker

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How To Buy A Yacht In Panama City, Panama

Denison yacht broker juno prudhomm takes us through the process of buying a boat in panama city..

Panama City is the capital of Panama and located on the Pacific coast of the country. It’s known for its cobblestoned historic center, vibrant cafes and bars, and the Miraflores Locks, which offer views of ships traveling through the Panama Canal.

Panama City is often overlooked as a base to visit the canal or as a stopover to South America, but it actually offers plenty of activities and opportunities for visitors. This dynamic city seamlessly meshes modern and traditional cultures. Here you can visit Casco Viejo (a UNESCO World Heritage site), hike Cerro Ancon to spot wildlife, or embark on a fishing trip. As it’s surrounded by two major bodies of water, boating is a popular activity in Panama and there are plenty of opportunities to buy a boat in Panama City.

Miami-based yacht broker, Juno Prudhomm is experienced and knowledgeable in buying or selling a boat in Panama. We sat down with Juno to learn about his work and the process of buying a boat in Panama City.

Juno goes by the motto “the more you learn, the more you earn,” which has helped him move forward and be open to new opportunities. Over the years as a Denison yacht broker , Juno gained the experience and knowledge to guide clients through buying or selling a boat, not only within the United States but also in Panama City, Panama. So how did Juno end up with work in Central America?

“The first time I did business in Panama was to sell a Scout center console,” said Juno. “I sold the boat and built a good rapport with that particular client. Thanks to that connection and through an email blast, another client in Panama reached out to me and now I’m selling his sportfish.” 

By now, Juno understands the process and procedures of buying a boat in Panama and confidently guides clients through the entire process. To start, Juno recommends flying to Panama City to experience the destination and browse yachts in person. As of April 2021, a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. A mask mandate is in effect for the entire country.

It’s an easy flight to Panama City from the United States — a 3 hour non-stop flight from Miami or a 6 hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles. There are plenty of hotel accommodations throughout Panama City that are safe and resort-style, such as the Hilton, Wyndham, The W, and Summit Rainforest & Golf Resort.

Once in Panama City, which boasts a skyline and waterfront similar to Miami, Juno will guide you through finding a boat that’s right for you. There’s a wide variety of inventory in Panama and plenty of boat owners who are motivated to sell. Sportfish and center consoles are popular and readily available in the area.

“Most of the sportfish yachts in Panama are in really great shape because they run with a full-time crew,” said Juno. “In my experience, the boats in Panama are usually in pristine condition in terms of a late model sportfish or late model center console. They’re also located in nice marinas.”

When you find a boat you like, it’s easy to get it hulled out in Panama City. Juno knows which marinas are suitable to hull the boat out of the water for an inspection or survey. Although he notes, there are not a lot of surveyors in the area and recommends an alternative option.

“My best recommendation is to find a surveyor in the U.S. and fly them over to Panama to perform a survey on the boat,” commented Juno. “It’s worth it to fly someone out and cover their accommodations, transportation, and food expenses while they inspect the boat.”

Thanks to Juno’s connections in the area, he can help you find a great deal on a boat that’s in pristine condition. So after you find, survey, and purchase a boat in Panama City… what’s next? How do you get it to the United States?

“It only takes about 5 business days to ship a boat from Panama City to the U.S. It’s an easy and standard process when dealing with customs and delivering the boat to the final destination,” said Juno. “I’m in the process of selling my third boat in Panama — 2 of the boats were shipped to the U.S., so I understand the process and can confidently guide clients through shipping and customs.”

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Juno Prudhomm 🇭🇹 (@junotheboatguy)

Juno most recently sold a 54-foot Bertram convertible 2013 located in Panama with an asking price of $1,185,000. It was shipped from Panama City to Fort Lauderdale and is now heading to Japan.

But Juno’s not all work. He recommends that if you have the time, to experience fishing on the Pacific side of Panama, which he notes is phenomenal. 

“If you’re going to buy a boat in Panama City, plan a fishing trip while you’re there. It’s a really exotic destination with some of the best fishing I have ever done!” Juno commented.

Through his experience, Juno finds that boat owners in Panama enjoy working with firms like Denison Yachting because of the company’s reach and stronghold in the industry. Consider buying a yacht in Panama City and let Juno guide you through the process. And hey, if anything, at least you get to experience an awesome boating destination.

Juno Prudhomm

• Email: [email protected]
• Cell: 786.385.5013
• Office: 786.482.5000
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Latest News

NEWS | March 18, 2024

120 northcoast 2000 sold by peter quintal [120 rph].

120 Northcoast 2000 Sold by Peter Quintal [120 RPH] A 120′ Northcoast built in 2000 was sold by Peter Quintal, who represented the Seller along with Tom George of OneWater Yacht Group, who also introduced the Buyer. This 120′ North Coast is a spectacular yacht, benefitting from an extensive

85 Princess 2009 Sold by Paul Denton & Jace Kizzier [NO CURFEW]

85 Princess 2009 Sold by Paul Denton & Jace Kizzier [NO CURFEW] NO CURFEW, an 85′ Princess built in 2009, was sold by Paul Denton, who represented the Seller, and Jace Kizzier, who introduced the Buyer. NO CURFEW includes a four stateroom, five head interior layout with accommodations up to eight people.

76 Viking 2011 Sold by Eric Burke [CODE BLU]

76 Viking 2011 Sold by Eric Burke [CODE BLU] CODE BLU, a 76′ Viking built in 2011, was sold by Eric Burke, who introduced the Buyer. Doug Donohue with HMY represented the Seller. CODE BLU features an interior layout of 5 staterooms and 5 heads, plus an additional dayhead

YC Yachts  formerly Highlife Panama Yachts, transferred over, is the leading yacht broker in Panama in operation since 2015; specializing in yacht parties of all sizes for corporate events, weddings, bachelor & bachelorette parties, and other private outings. YC Yachts is an affiliate of YC in Panama .

Outside of Panama City, we offer multi-day fully crewed yacht and catamaran charters in the Pearl Islands, San Blas archipelago, & Bocas del Toro archipelago. 

Providing full services for maritime activities, we not only offer the charter of a variety of vessels, but group transport to and from the marina, open bar options, and additional entertainment onboard. 

By working with YC Yachts you remove the stress of organizing and planning your perfect yacht adventure in Panama. Our desire is to provide an amazing experience at sea and give you the lasting memories of fun, sun, and comfort while relaxing. Our sales team is well versed in our entire fleet with intimate knowledge of the maritime world in Panama. If you can't find what you're looking for on our site then reach out to our team to support as we constantly have turnover of boats  in our back catalog.

If you have any questions, we are more than happy to answer them and help you sort your way through the maritime world of Panama- Central America's top destination.

Meet the Team

Josimar B. Office Manager - Admin

Jose Manuel Logistics Coordinator

Nair M. Sales & Reservations

Czar S. Group Operations Host

Javi C. Accounting

Nic P.  Sales & Reservations

Jorge B. Group Operations Host

Gregory C. General Director

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Guide to Panama

Where natural beauty meets tradition and history

A small country in the North America/South America connection, Panama is an enchanting country which hosts a combination of colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Featuring the world famous 48 mile canal and more species of birds than the entire expanse of North America, Panama is an incredible location for any yacht charter guest.

Any trip to Panama should start at the magnificent Panama City. As capital to the prestigious country, the city is built high in the sky and is everything you could possibly want it to be. Essential for business and commercial industries, Panama City has the very best in every market. If shopping is your preferred pursuit, you’ll want to make sure you leave some time to stop over at  Albrook.

The Albrook district of the city has the largest shopping mall in the region and even has a small airport so you can visit other areas of Panama. Hosting a number of world famous brands as well as various eateries and even a cinema, you can easily spend an entire day in the central precinct.

An ideal end to a day of shopping is a night out on the town in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Panama, Bella Vista. This is where the nightlife is truly at its best. The Calle Uruguay zone has a multitude of exciting clubs and bars, as well as some unmissable restaurants which overlook the canal. If local cuisine isn't your preferred taste, there are also many global names to choose from for your dining options.

Moving away from the main hub of activity in Panama City, an interesting stop is the Biomuseo. The only one of its kind in the area, this museum stands out from the crowd with its vibrant, multicoloured canopy. Focused on the history and ecological aspects of the country, the museum teaches visitors about how the isthmus emerged from the sea and the subsequent changes it made to the global layout thereafter.

Getting a true taste of Panama is easy enough by exploring the exciting and varied terrains, but if you really want to taste it you’ll need to sample what is considered by some as the best coffee in the world. Grown far up in the Chiriqui highlands, the Geisha blend is highly sought after by International buyers and coffee enthusiasts alike.

Staying with the natural environment of Panama, any visit to the country would not be complete without at least one visit to the nature trails. With some located unbelievably close to the main city, it is easy to find an area of natural beauty. The protected Metropolitan National Park has some staggering nature trails that guide through varying heights and terrains to see some of Mother Nature's best work.

Another beauty spot worth visiting is the Summit Municipal Park. Just as green and beautiful as the Metropolitan park, this spot is mostly dedicated to botanical gardens which offer you a magical and vibrant walk. In addition to the flora and fauna there are also many chances to see some exotic birds including great green macaw, brown backed dove, stripe cheeked woodpecker and crested eagles.

For more incredible wildlife, your nrcy port of call will be to head to the coast for a spot of whale watching. From June until November you may be lucky enough to see some humpback whales leaping from the sea. Returning every year, the whales come to Panama for their mating season and they don't come alone. While scouring the waters you could also see some bottlenose and spotted dolphins.

Returning to the hub of activity the Old Town District awaits your arrival to see one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. After an inferno in 1671, the majority of the original Panama City was destroyed. Started purposefully to prevent a large scale attack and robbery, this event remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Panama. The remnants of the ancient city still remain to be a crowd pleaser and offer clear insight into the ancient construction work of city building. While at the site you can still see the remains of the cathedral tower and view a scale model of what the original settlement looked like before the blaze.

If the Panama canal has made an impression on you, there's one more stop you can make before venturing elsewhere. The Observation Center gives you an unprecedented view of the canal extension and the latest locks in place. Watch world traffic passing through before returning to your own luxury charter yacht to cruise on to a new adventure.

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Panama Yachting Agent is your one-stop-shop for all your yachting needs in Panama

Superyachts focus, providing the highest level of yachting logistics.

Panama Yachting Agent is Norton Lilly’s dedicated division that delivers reliability, quality, and peace-of-mind to all their customers. We offer superyacht captains, crews and owners with creative and efficient solutions to all their yachting requirements in both Atlantic and Pacific coasts in Panama. Since 1925, we have been proudly serving in Panama with proven experience that puts us above and beyond our competitors, with offices at both northern and southern ends of the Canal, perfectly positioned to serve the needs of customers.

From Panama Canal transits, navigation permits and pre-arrival arrangements to provisioning, and with bilingual staff available 24/7, our premium yacht services always look to meet standards that reflect our excellence, passion and integrity.

Yacht Services & Concierge

Panama canal transits.

For over 95 years, Norton Lilly has coordinated expeditious transits through the Panama Canal. As transit agent, our core functions include among others:

• Maiden Transit – coordination with vessel owner and the Panama Canal Authority to insure vessels are in compliance for a 1st time passing of the Panama Canal • Pre-Arrival – coordinating with the vessel Master for timely submission of all pre-arrival information within 96 hours pre-arrival as required by the Panama Canal Authority • Booking system – effectively coordinating with our Principals to secure booking slots via 1st period, 2nd period, and 3rd period booking competition • Transit Guarantees – payment to the Panama Canal Authority • 24 hours Duty Officer and Operations Staff

PROVISIONING AND LOGISTICS

We encompass the vast portfolio of technical and logistical resources needed to manage the unique demands of a modern mega-yacht.

• Port-Marina Agency services • Processing of navigation permits • Immigration clearances and visas (Crew and Passengers) • Supplies, stores & provisions • Spare parts and stores – clearance and delivery • Fuel & Lube Oils • Fresh Water • Waste disposal (trash, gray & black water) • Repairs and maintenance • Cash advances • Legal services • Surveys • Offices operate 24/7

Concierge and Experiences

There are two coastlines stretching 3,000 miles, connected by the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal. It’s easy to transit from one to the other, multiple marinas, and a multitude of spectacular anchorages making exploration effortless. We as agents can assist to visit every single point of our beautiful Country or to simply enjoy the experience of a lifetime while you stay in Panama.

• Charter flights & helicopter services • Private security • Wellness and Beauty Treatments • Personal Requests • Flower Arrangements • Custom / Bespoke / Tailor-made itinerary design • Private experiences and locations • Private ocean, land and air transportation • Exclusive haciendas, villas and lodges • Crew activities • Photography and Videography services • Professional guides and instructors (scuba diving, hiking, biking, sailing, surfing, equestrian, nature, climbing, skydiving, free (apnea) diving, yoga, etc) • Ground handling services including private VIP lounges

Panama, the bridge connecting continents, is a place where cultures mix and nature flourishes

Panama anchorages.

frequently asked questions

How long can I book in advance? The earlier you book the better. Please check with us for slot availability. How much does a Panama Canal Transit cost? This basically depends on the size of the yacht. For a Mega yacht the cost for a night transit with reserved slot is around US$18,000.00 . Check with us for detailed quote. How long does the Panama Canal Transit take? Transit time is approximately 8-10 hours from the time the vessel arrives at the first set of locks. Can my booking be cancelled? A reserved/booked transit can be canceled but penalties apply. Charges vary depending on when the request for cancellation is requested. The later you cancel the more you pay. Pre-arrival Requirements for Canal Transit? Yachts transiting the Panama Canal must provide the following information, minimum 96 hours prior to arrival in Panama Canal waters: • Covid requirements  • Bonded Stores • Crew and passenger effects List • Narcotics list (if not applicable, please indicate nil) • Ships stores • Waste disposal (receipt or prove where and went disposal landed) • Last port of clearance (on color copy).

Where do we deliver supplies? In every port, anchorage or marina in the country. Can we deliver to different anchorages? Yes, we deliver to the anchorage on both sides (Atlantic/Pacific). Can we deliver during Canal transits? No, no service can be performed during transit. Immigrations Requirements? Yacht guests and crew are considered as tourists; therefore, it is only necessary to issue an immigrations entrance permit. As Agent, Norton Lilly, can assist with these immigrations formalities in filing the necessary paperwork. We will require a copy of onsigners/offsigners passport and flight details. Ships spares in transit? For sending courier packages and ships spares, please note the following. Consignee field must show: Ship’s spares in transit for MY xxxx, c/o Air Sea Express, Norton Lilly International (Panama) S.A. Bldg. 3825 – Office 204, Howard – Panama-Pacifico, Panama, Rep. of Panama Tel: (507) 304-4600, Fax: (507) 269-3926, Email: [email protected] Documents needed for Air and Sea Shipments • Copy of AWB or MB/L or H/BL duly consigned as per above instruction. • Copy of Commercial Invoice with description, quantity and unit/total value of ALL items consigned. • Copy of Packing List stating description, quantity of ALL items, and measures and weight of all the cases of the shipment. Customs Clearance for spares? Customs clearance can normally take up to 8 hours. Customs working hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00 Overtime Working Hours: Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 08:00.

Are private helicopters allowed in Panama? Yes, they are allowed as long as their use is coordinated in compliance with the Civil Aviation Authority through the assistance of its Agent Norton Lilly International (Panama). Are submersibles allowed in Panamanian waters? Submersibles are allowed with proper notification to Panama Maritime Authority with Norton Lilly’s assistance. Can submersibles be used in Panama Canal Waters? No, submersibles are not allowed on Panama Canal waters.

Additional Documents for yachts berthing/docking: • Crew & passenger list signed and stamped. • Yacht’s Registry • Yacht’s Particulars. How many marinas for superyachts are available on the Pacific coast? Currently there are two marinas that can accommodate Superyachts on Panama Pacific coast. Which destinations on the Panama’s Atlantic coast are recommended? Bocas del Toro, San Blas Archipelago, Portobello and Escudo de Veraguas Islands are dream destinations on the Atlantic coast of Panama. Which destinations on the Panama’s Pacific coast are recommended? Definitely Pearl Islands, Coiba Island and Chiriqui Gulf (Islas Paridas) is a MUST while yachting on Panama’s Pacific coast. Where is the best fishing area that can accommodate Superyachts in Panama? Vistamar Marina is great for accommodating superyachts while offering the perfect location for fishing experiences.

EYS Latin American Alliance

We are members of Experience Yacht Service (EYS) , a dynamic alliance of elite, independent service providers. EYS provides superyacht captains, crews, and owners with creative and efficient solutions to all their yachting requirements in Latin America. Our five partners provide yacht agency and itinerary design services for each of our three destinations: Costa Rica, Panama and the Galapagos Islands. Together we are able to facilitate everything from canal transits, navigation permits and port agency services, to adventure-filled, bespoke itineraries.

ORIGEN ESCAPES

norton lilly international

Get in touch.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tel.: (+507) 304-4600 /4604 

Mobile: +(507) 6330-4100 (24HRS)

E-mail: panamayachting@nortonlilly. com.pa

With an experienced bilingual team, characterized by excellent continuous communication 365/24/7 that translates into a degree of reliability, as well as valuing quality, costs and providing immediate response to your concerns, we maintain two offices strategically located at the Atlantic and Pacific Entrance of the Panama Canal:

PANAMA CITY OFFICE (PACIFIC) Howard, Int. Business Park, Building No. 3825, 2nd Floor, Office No. 204. Panama, Republic of Panama. Tel: (+507) 304-4600 /4604 | +(507) 6330-4100 (24HRS). E-mail: panamayachting@nortonlilly. com.pa

COLON CITY OFFICE (ATLANTIC) Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) Ave. Molten, Building A, 2nd Floor, Office  B 1-5. Colon City, Republic of Panama.  Tel.: (+507) 304-4600 /4604 | Mobile: +(507) 6330-4100 (24HRS) E-mail: panamayachting@nortonlilly. com.pa

Panama Yachting Agent by Norton Lilly International – 2022.

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